Mercury’s Akoa Makani reflects on 2025 rookie season

In her post, Akoa Makani thanked the organization for its support and trust throughout the season.

“I am forever grateful to have laid my first bricks in the W with such an incredible organization,” she writes. “Year 1 in the books. To be continued…”

Akoa Makani’s journey to her rookie year was anything but linear. Born in Cameroon and having played basketball in France, she came to Phoenix as an undrafted rookie. After competing for a roster spot, she made the opening-day lineup and became a crucial part of the team’s success throughout the season, generating buzz with her play as a first-year player.

For a rookie, Akoa Makani showed a rare poise that helped her earn more minutes and make an impact on the team’s playoff position.

In 41 games with the Mercury this season, Akoa Makani averaged 7.7 points, 2.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists. She also shot 43.0% from the field and 39.8% from three.

The 2025 Mercury were in transition and leaned heavily on talent like Akoa Makani to defend, shoot and adapt behind veteran stars. While the team finished four wins shy of a championship, the Phoenix rookie is taking positive moments, memories and lessons learned with her.

“The victories and losses, the people I have let, the memories I have made, and above all the growth I have experienced not only as a player but also as a person all contributed to making this year so unforgettable,” Akoa Makani writes. “A special shoutout to my amazing teammates who made this whole journey so valuable and precious to me.”

In a rookie year to remember, the Mercury guard also made history. Akoa Makani became the first Cameroonian player to appear on a WNBA Finals roster, adding a dimension of international pride to her first year. Her participation connected not only fans in the desert but also those back home.

“Forever US >>>>>>>,” she wrote, finishing her post with the Mercury’s moniker for the season.

As she looks ahead to her future, Akoa Makani’s contributions to the 2025 Phoenix Mercury won’t be forgotten and it’s safe to say she won’t forget them either.